§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what percentage of the money being invested in new refuge accommodation over the next three years will be made available in Northern Ireland for those fleeing domestic violence. [123457]
§ Angela SmithI have been asked to reply.
The money announced by the Home Secretary for investment in new refuge accommodation over the next three years is to be used to provide units of accommodation in all regions of England. None of this money will be allocated to Northern Ireland.
However, as indicated in the Northern Ireland Office press release of 19 June 2003, welcoming the Home Office consultation paper, "Safety and Justice: The Government's Proposals on Domestic Violence", a parallel Northern Ireland consultation paper on domestic violence has been commissioned and the issue of refuge accommodation in Northern Ireland will be considered in that context.